John's disciples and the Pharisees were fasting (ησαν ο μαθητα Ιωανου κα ο Φαρισαιο νηστευοντες). The periphrastic imperfect, so c…

And the disciples of John and of the Pharisees used to fast. Were accustomed often to fast. Compare Luke 5:33; Luke 18:12.

And the disciples of John... used to fast.—Better, were fasting. See Notes on Matthew 9:14-17. The only differen…

While Christ was with His people in person, they could not help having joy and gladness; but when He was gone from them, they must lament His absen…

Glossa Ordinaria: Just as the Master was previously accused before the disciples for keeping company with sinners at their fea…

In the law the only required fast was on the Day of Atonement (Leviticus 16:29, 31; 23:27–32), but after the Exile four other annual fa…

And the disciples of John and of the Pharisees used to fast Or "were fasting"; perhaps that very day, and so were the mor…

Strict professors of faith are inclined to blame all who do not fully measure up to their own views. Christ did not escape slanders; we should be w…